Cultural diversity
Language used at home
About this topic
Language used at home shows which languages people speak in their home life and whether English or another language is used most often. It is a key indicator of cultural diversity and language retention within communities.
This topic is useful for planning communication, multicultural services, and local engagement. It should be analysed together with proficiency in English and birthplace, because language alone does not show migration history or support needs.
Interpretation notes
- The Census records the language used most often at home, so it does not capture every language a person can speak.
- Language used at home is not a measure of English proficiency, literacy, or migration history on its own.
Key insight
In 2021, English was the most common language used at home among residents in Pormpuraaw (S), accounting for 35.7% (215 people). This share was lower than Regional Qld (83.7%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Wik Mungkan, which decreased by 100 people and 11 percentage points.
Section overview
Language used at home - Ranked by size
Pormpuraaw (S) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises language used at home for Pormpuraaw (S) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional Qld and change since 2016.
Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Pormpuraaw (S), with comparison markers for Regional Qld.
English
2021 count
215
% of total
35.7%
Change from 2016
-1.2pp
215
35.7%
-1.2pp
Kuuk Thayorre
2021 count
162
% of total
26.9%
Change from 2016
-0.1pp
162
26.9%
-0.1pp
Wik Mungkan
2021 count
93
% of total
15.4%
Change from 2016
-11.0pp
93
15.4%
-11.0pp
Not stated
2021 count
77
% of total
12.8%
Change from 2016
+9.2pp
77
12.8%
+9.2pp
Cape York Peninsula Languages, nec
2021 count
19
% of total
3.2%
Change from 2016
+0.6pp
19
3.2%
+0.6pp
Cape York Peninsula Languages, nfd
2021 count
13
% of total
2.2%
Change from 2016
-
13
2.2%
-
Chart view
Language used at home - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
English
-55
-1.2pp
Kuuk Thayorre
-36
-0.1pp
Wik Mungkan
-100
-11.0pp
Not stated
+51
+9.2pp
Cape York Peninsula Languages, nec
0
+0.6pp
Data table
Language used at home for Pormpuraaw (S). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Qld.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional Qld% | Count | % | Regional Qld% | Count | pp | |
| English | 215 | 35.7% | 83.7% | 270 | 36.9% | 84.3% | -55 | -1.2pp |
| Kuuk Thayorre | 162 | 26.9% | 0.0% | 198 | 27.0% | 0.0% | -36 | -0.1pp |
| Wik Mungkan | 93 | 15.4% | 0.0% | 193 | 26.4% | 0.0% | -100 | -11.0pp |
| Not stated | 77 | 12.8% | 7.4% | 26 | 3.6% | 7.8% | +51 | +9.2pp |
| Cape York Peninsula Languages, nec | 19 | 3.2% | 0.1% | 19 | 2.6% | 0.0% | 0 | +0.6pp |
| Cape York Peninsula Languages, nfd | 13 | 2.2% | 0.0% | - | - | 0.0% | - | - |
| Total | 602 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 732 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -130 | 0.0pp |
Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.